Smart Sales Offers

How to Drive Business When Things Slow Down (Without Discounting)

Every print shop experiences slow periods.

Whether it’s post-holiday quiet or just a random lull, it’s easy to panic—or worse, go silent.

But Lee Stuart from Rogue Lab and I discussed a better way to keep the sales flowing: Send out targeted, well-priced package offers.

This strategy doesn’t require discounts. It doesn’t require complex promos. And it works for both current customers and cold leads.

Here’s how Lee does it, and how you can do the same to fill production gaps and stay top of mind.

When Things Slow Down, Send an Offer

Instead of waiting for business to come to you, go create it.

Lee’s approach is simple: when embroidery gets slow, he sends out a quick offer, like a hat and polo package. That one move consistently brings in 2–3 orders every time.

And it doesn’t stop with embroidery. You can rotate offers based on what part of your shop needs work:

  • Screen printing slow? Do a t-shirt bundle.

  • Heat press open? Create a small-run sportswear deal.

The key is staying proactive.

What Makes These Offers Work

  • Package Deal Psychology
    People love the idea of getting a deal, even if it’s not discounted. Packaging two or three items together at a single, clear price triggers a value-driven response.

  • No Time Limits
    Lee doesn’t use fake urgency or countdowns. Instead, he focuses on clarity and simplicity: “Here’s what you get, here’s the price.”

  • Set Price, No Discounting
    Rather than slashing prices, he just presents an all-in package price that feels like a good value. No math. No confusion.

  • Make It Easy
    No menus. No multiple options. One offer. One price. One call-to-action. This makes it easy for clients to say yes.

  • Works for Cold and Current Customers
    These offers aren’t just for your regulars. They also serve as great openers for new prospects who may have been sitting on the fence.

How to Run a 2-Piece Campaign

  1. Send the Offer
    Start with a short email or DM that shows the package, the price, and why it’s a great option.

  2. Follow Up with a Reminder
    A few days later, send a follow-up: “Just checking in, had a few people grab the bundle this week. Want me to mock one up for you?”

This gentle nudge often drives another round of responses.

And every so often, someone will ask for a slight variation, like switching the polo for a hoodie. No problem. It starts the sales conversation.

Final Thought

You don’t need a full-blown campaign or a deep discount to spark sales. Sometimes, all it takes is:

  • A clear package

  • A set price

  • A well-timed message

As Lee says, “Every time we send an offer, we get two or three sales off it.”

Slow periods don’t have to stay slow. Send an offer and watch what happens.

Need help crafting offers and sending them to the right leads? Sales Ink can help you build campaigns that drive revenue, even when the phone’s not ringing.

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